CCC 1683 The Church who, as Mother, has borne the Christian sacramentally in her womb during his earthly pilgrimage, accompanies him at his journey's end, in order to surrender him "into the Father's hands." She offers to the Father, in Christ, the child of his grace, and she commits to the earth, in hope, the seed of the body that will rise in glory. This offering is fully celebrated in the Eucharistic sacrifice; the blessings before and after Mass are sacramental.

CCC 965 After her Son's Ascension, Mary "aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers." In her association with the apostles and several women, "we also see Mary by her prayers imploring the gift of the Spirit, who had already overshadowed her in the Annunciation."

Malankara Rite Readings:
1 Timothy 5:17-22
Jn 10:11-16

Latin Rite Readings:
Isaiah 49:8-15
John 5:17-30

We have a new Pope and He is our Holy Father Pope Francis. The readings feel so fitting today as we witnessed the 265th succession of St. Peter. The Church herself through her Liturgy is celebrating this day with us and with the whole world!

Latin Rite Readings:
Isaiah 49:8-15
John 5:17-30

Excerpts from Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15 and John 5:17-30

"In a time of favor I answer you,
on the day of salvation I help you;
and I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people,
To restore the land
and allot the desolate heritages,
Saying to the prisoners: Come out!"

"Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here
when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and those who hear will live."

Latin Rite Readings:
Hebrews 2:14-18
Mark 1:29-39

He has authority and power to destroy death, He can heal the effects of sin on the soul as well as the body. Him taking on our humanity communicates His concern is for us, so that we may live as the children of God. And so He went about His days on earth encouraging humanity to not be afraid. His times of prayer moved him to act on the will of the Father, not just stay in one place and satisfy the earthly desires of men.

Father teach us to move by your authoritative grace rather than by fear. Amen.

Cheers to a new year